In another sign that the days of punishing, physical running backs like Jim Brown and John Riggins are coming to an end, the NFL is considering a rules change that would penalize runners for lowering their heads and initiating contact with tacklers.

Members of the NFL’s Competition Committee revealed today that they want to see a new rule that would make it a personal foul for either a runner or a tackler to engage in head-first contact with the crown of the helmet when running into each other outside the tackle box.

“This is a pure and simple player safety rule,” NFL Competition Committee Chair Rich McKay said. “We really think the time has come where we need to address the situation in space where a runner or a tackler has a choice of how to approach his opponent.”

In another sign that the days of punishing, physical running backs like Jim Brown and John Riggins are coming to an end, the NFL is considering a rules change that would penalize runners for lowering their heads and initiating contact with tacklers.

Members of the NFL’s Competition Committee revealed today that they want to see a new rule that would make it a personal foul for either a runner or a tackler to engage in head-first contact with the crown of the helmet when running into each other outside the tackle box.

“This is a pure and simple player safety rule,” NFL Competition Committee Chair Rich McKay said. “We really think the time has come where we need to address the situation in space where a runner or a tackler has a choice of how to approach his opponent.”

Rylan wrote:The game is quickly turning into modified rugby. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I've been watching the Six Nations thing on Saturdays after "Top Gear" on BBCA. I have no idea what's going on, but it's a bonkers sport to watch.

Back in 2003 there was some international tournament going on when I was in London. Wandered into a pub one afternoon and match was on. Didn't know anything about the sport, so I asked my barmates to explain things to me. That kicked off a round of practically everyone in the bar chiming in - simultaneously - explaining everything that happened as it happened, often contradicting each other. Served eff all helpful purpose, but it remains one of my favorite travel memories.

Rylan wrote:The game is quickly turning into modified rugby. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I've been watching the Six Nations thing on Saturdays after "Top Gear" on BBCA. I have no idea what's going on, but it's a bonkers sport to watch.

Back in 2003 there was some international tournament going on when I was in London. Wandered into a pub one afternoon and match was on. Didn't know anything about the sport, so I asked my barmates to explain things to me. That kicked off a round of practically everyone in the bar chiming in - simultaneously - explaining everything that happened as it happened, often contradicting each other. Served eff all helpful purpose, but it remains one of my favorite travel memories.

Rugby is simple really. My roommate taught me the game over a span of a 7's match.

i don't really mind any of tweaks they've made that facilitate player safety or bonkers passing numbers. the on-field product has been great - especially the gunslinging in the playoffs. it's just everything surrounding the on-field product that makes me ill.